How Much Uber Drivers Make in NYC in 2025

Thinking about starting your own Uber gig? You’re probably wondering how much Uber drivers make in NYC these days. There’s no simple answer to this question — an NYC Uber driver’s salary is based on many external factors, such as how many rides they pick up, the hours worked, and how many days per week they work.

Driving for Uber can be a great full-time job or a side hustle to raise extra cash. Read on to learn more about your salary potential and how expenses can impact your bottom line.

How much do Uber drivers make in NYC?

The average NYC Uber driver earns between $30.70 and $41.17 per hour, according to a report from the rideshare company. At 35 hours per week for 50 weeks a year, that adds up to an estimated $72,839 annually before taxes and expenses.

However, driving for Uber comes with significant costs. On average, drivers incur $19,966 in expenses per year, and after factoring in taxes, take-home pay is closer to $36,500 – $40,000.

Once you’ve built experience as an Uber driver, you can maximize your earnings through smart strategies. Taking advantage of referral and ride bonuses, targeting high-demand hours, and working in surge pricing zones can all help boost your income.

What affects an Uber driver’s NYC salary?

These factors will make a difference in how much money you earn with Uber.

Commissions and fees

Uber takes roughly 25% of fares as a Service Fee to cover operational costs, app development, and business expenses. This fee is deducted directly from each fare before you receive your earnings. The remainder of the fare goes toward your pay, mandatory taxes, tolls, airport fees, and commercial auto insurance.

Standard fares

Uber’s standard fares are based on how long a ride takes and a rate per mile driven. These prices are non-negotiable for the driver and passengers. However, the passenger’s fare can vary dramatically, especially if you’re driving during off-peak hours.

Surge pricing

Some times of day are busier than others. Uber addresses increased demand with surge pricing, which can double or even triple the amount you take home. It’s wise to schedule your hours around major events, like concerts and conferences, as well as rush hour and other traditionally busy times. The more surge pricing you can manage, the more your income will rise.

Promotions

Uber used to offer big sign-up bonuses for new drivers—depending on the terms and conditions, you could earn up to $500 extra. This halted during COVID-19, since significantly fewer people were using rideshare services. However, as the world returns to its pre-pandemic travel habits, the company may decide to offer sign-up bonuses once more.

Uber also offers occasional promotions for drivers. For example, they might add a bonus if you complete 25 rides within a set period of time. This can bolster your income, especially living in a busy city, surrounded by airports, like New York. Once you earn your bonus, you’re free to continue offering rides—or enjoy some extra time off.

Finally, you may be able to earn extra cash if you successfully refer other drivers to Uber.

Hourly guarantees

Uber offers an hourly guarantee to ensure drivers make enough money. You may qualify for an hourly guarantee if you accept at least 90 percent of the rides you’re offered, and meet their standard for average number of trips per hour. However, it’s important to remember that the hourly guarantee is before Uber takes their 20 percent cut.

Tips

Great Uber drivers are more likely to earn higher tips. That’s why many drivers go the extra mile. They might provide complimentary bottles of water or other small “bonuses” that make the customer happy and comfortable. While tips aren’t as reliable or predictable as the fare itself, and a conservative approach to budgeting would involve treating them as unplanned income, they can really add up over time.

Uber Eats

If you sign up to work for Uber Eats, you can add to your salary. Drivers who solely rely on Uber Eats for income make anywhere from $16,000 to $88,000. As you can see, this can vary, depending on where you’re located and how often you deliver meals. NYC is a prime location for both Uber and Uber Eats drivers, given the high population density, number of restaurants, and willingness to order delivery.

However, NYC Uber Eats drivers make less than the national average—about $40,000. NYC drivers should consider working for Uber Eats as a supplement to their rideshare income.

Expenses that impact how much you really make

The more you drive, the more vehicle-related expenses you’ll incur. For example, the higher the cost of gas, the less you’ll take home from each ride. You’re also likely to need vehicle maintenance on a more frequent basis than if you were simply driving back and forth to work. Depending on what kind of maintenance and repairs are needed, that also takes a significant chunk out of your earnings.

Finally, you’ll need to factor in the cost of your license and insurance, as well as incidental expenses like car washes and detailing.

The type of vehicle you use to drive for Uber can have a big impact on how much you earn. For instance, an electric vehicle may be cheaper to operate, especially as gas prices continue to rise.

How to get started as an Uber driver

Could driving for Uber be right for you? Now that you know how much Uber and Uber Eats drivers make in NYC, you can sign up to join the team. Here’s how to get started:

• Meet employment requirements: Uber asks that drivers be at least 21 years old, have a valid driver’s license, pass their mandatory background check, and have a clean driving record that meets their insurance policy standards.
• Have the right equipment: You’ll need a post-2005 vehicle in good condition, and a smartphone. If you don’t have an appropriate vehicle, Uber offers programs to help drivers get one.
• Meet state licensing requirements: The Taxi and Limousine Commission in New York requires anyone driving a “for-hire vehicle” to take their 24-hour education course. If you pass the course, you are entitled to drive for Uber and other taxi services.
• Open a business bank account: Finally, make sure you open a business bank account. Keeping your business and personal finances separate ensures you’ll know exactly how much you’re earning. It will also make tax time much easier.

Sign up for a North One account today

Driving for Uber is a popular job, whether you make it your full-time job or a side hustle—and North One’s small business banking services can help you monitor your cash flow, expenses, and other key business metrics. Find out more about our services by browsing our website, or sign up for an account today.